I took a 20 month maternity leave after my son was born. During those 20 months, a very common question that people would ask me was: Aren’t you so bored at home? And my answer would always be: NO!
Pre-baby I was a corporate lawyer at a big downtown Toronto firm. My days at work were long and busy, and my blackberry was always buzzing day or night! Life at home with a baby was certainly different! I was still busy, but in a very different way. My days and nights were now filled with lots of feeding, burping, changing, sleeping, singing, bouncing, reading, playing, bathing, etc etc. I had no choice but to change my go go go routine. Life now revolved around Dylan and meeting his needs.
I find it amazing when I hear from other moms that they were bored on their mat leave. Sure – certain afternoons could drag on and sometimes it can get tedious singing Ba Ba Black Sheep over and over. But the joyful moments of hearing Dylan laugh for the first time, or watching him take his first steps certainly overshadowed and more than made up for any moments of boredom!
Most days, we didn’t have time to get bored! We were always on the go, exploring the city and taking everything in
Here are some of our favorite activities (in no particular order):
1. Playing with the Thomas the Train table at Indigo or Mastermind
2. Reading books at the local library.
3. Going to the park.
4. Taking a subway or bus ride.
5. Enjoying a lunch date.
6. Going to the mall.
7. Sharing a coffee at Second Cup, Aroma or Starbucks.
8. Visiting with Dylan’s grandparents.
9. Going to a music class.
10. Meeting other moms and babies at a La Leche League Meeting.
What about you? What were some of your favorite activities while you were on mat leave?
March 23, 2010 at 6:39 pm
I’m on an indefinite mat leave since I’m planning on homeschooling, but it’s definitely not boring. Exhausting, sometimes, but not boring!
In my experience, my daughter has become more and more interesting as she grows and engages with the world more. Our favourite activities are getting out on nature walks, playing at the beach (even when it’s cloudy), going out to meet our friends and reading for hours at home.
March 23, 2010 at 11:09 pm
I agree…the older my son gets, the more fun he is! I feel so lucky to have had those extra 8 months off with him after my first year of leave. Even now I’m only in the office 3 days a week…I am so thankful I get so much time with him!
March 25, 2010 at 5:39 pm
that’s awesome that you could take such a long leave!! are you working again?
sometimes I find myself bored…but I wouldn’t let someone else get the joy of seeing those firsts! those are all mine! in the hour I left my baby daughter with my grandma while i went out for a bit she rolled over for the first time and I was so bummed. I couldn’t imagine that with every single first.
March 25, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I firmly believe that if you are a grandparent and a baby’s “first” happens in front of you, without the parents around, you should just keep it to yourself and take the secret to your grave.
Better to let the parents believe they witnessed “the first X” than to make it their biggest regret for letting you spend time with their child alone.
March 26, 2010 at 4:00 pm
I like the way you think! 🙂
March 25, 2010 at 11:09 pm
I am working now…3 days a wk in the office and 2 days a wk at home…it is very flexible and leaves me a lot of time to spend with my son…thankfully!
March 26, 2010 at 4:00 pm
how wonderful!!! I think I would love a schedule like that 🙂
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